Smugglers of red sanders beware. The Andhra government plans to crack down on them using a new hi-tech tool that will help identify such smugglers and repeat offenders.
The Andhra Pradesh Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) is in the process of creating a software called Smugglers Identification Number System (SINS) and has enlisted the services of a Hyderabad-based company for this purpose, as per a report in The Hindu.
In order to coincide with the second anniversary of the formation of the RSASTF, the software is likely to see the light of day in February 2017.
After apprehending smugglers anywhere, the Task Force officials can check their antecedents by recording their thumbprints, the report adds.
The database of all the accused, including those standing trial and on bail, will be merged so as to ensure seamless integration for easy access.
Repeat offenders who are so identified can be prosecuted under the amended Forest Act, the report states.
RSASTF head and DIG M. Kantha Rao said that the SINS software will prove to be an effective deterrent to red sanders smuggling in the state since it would create fear in the minds of the smugglers and repeat offenders.
The report also says that software like Facial Recognition System (FRS) could be installed at sensitive places like bus stops, railway stations and this would go a long way in nabbing the culprits.
Just last month, the Interpol had reportedly issued a purple notice, on the international red sanders smuggling that originates from Andhra Pradesh.